The City of Oaks invites you to race, stay, and explore at this popular IRONMAN 70.3.

by Susan Kitchen

From the moment you arrive, you'll receive a warm, southern greeting and an open invitation to explore the rich heritage Raleigh has to offer. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the home of N.C. State University, together with Durham (home of Duke University) and Chapel Hill (home of the University of North Carolina), the city is part of the Research Triangle Park. Raleigh is also known for the beautiful oak trees that line the streets in the heart of the city,

Rich in culture, education, history, and healthy collegiate rivalry, this east coast destination has lots to offer even the most experienced traveler. Just two hours east the beautiful Carolina beaches await, and to the west lay the mountains and breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway.

Getting there

Whether you plan to fly or take a road trip, Raleigh is easily accessible. RDU International Airport ("RDU"), recently modernized and ranked one of the most efficient airports in the U.S.A., offers more than 400 daily arrivals and departures on eight major airlines.

RDU is a short 15-20 minute drive to downtown Raleigh (the location of T2 and the finish line). For your convenience, rental car options are located at the airport. A taxi ride will cost approximately $35 from the airport to downtown Raleigh, with services such as Uber and Lyft also available. Since the IRONMAN 70.3 Raleigh course has two transition sites, you will need a vehicle to check in your bike at T1 the day before the race. Transportation is provided from downtown Raleigh to the swim start/T1 race day morning.

Planning a good ol' fashioned road trip to Raleigh? If so, you'll find it extremely easy to navigate. If you are coming from the east or west, I-40 merges directly into the city's beltline highway that circles the city. Highway I-95 (running north and south) connects with I-40 near Benson, North Carolina, just a 40-minute drive to downtown Raleigh.

Where to stay

You'll find five or six great hotels near T2 and the finish line in the heart of the city and within walking distance to many restaurants. The best downtown options are the partner accommodations established by the event organizers. Check out the details on the event page. If your preference is luxury over race-day convenience, consider the Umstead Hotel located between the airport and Raleigh. It is the Triangle's only 5-star hotel and boasts an award-winning restaurant and recently renovated spa. Click here to book an IRONMAN preferred hotel.

Fueling up

Located just a short walk from the host hotel, and no more than a mile and a half from the furthest downtown hotel, is a culinary scene to tickle even the pickiest taste buds and top off fuel stores for race day. According to Southern Living magazine, you have just landed in one of the "Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South." Setting the trends in unique and creative comfort food, you'll find Carolina staples like sweet tea (unsweetened is always an option), barbecue, home cooked vegetables, and farm-to-table cooking provided by local vendors.

Chef Ashley Christensen, one of North Carolina's most talented and beloved chefs, is a great supporter of the North Carolina restaurant industry. Poole's, Chuck's Diner, and Beasley's Chicken and Honey are among the Triangle favorites.

Additional suggestions for a "last carb-load meal" is Pizza La Stella, located at 219 Fayetteville St. downtown. Even the pickiest foodie will approve of their authentic wood-fired pizza, Italian comfort food, and fresh salads.

If you are more of the burger type, check out the selection from b.good just down the street at 555 Fayetteville St.

Feeding and entertaining the community since 1975, Irregardless Café provides an authentic culinary experience, offering farm-to-table meals. The diverse menu offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, but also cater to meat lovers alike.

Pre-race training

If you are the type of athlete who arrives early to fit in some last-minute training on the race course, here's what you need to know.

The swim course in Jordan Lake is completely off limits for open-water swimming before race day. However, if you want to get in one last pre-race open water session, Ebenezer Park at Jordan Lake, just down from the race start on highway I-64 to Beaver Creek Road, offers an open water swim area with a beach entry. Admission is free on week days and $6/car on weekends. Restrooms, outdoor rinsing shower, and changing facilities are available.

Though you can drive the entire bike course, you'll find as you make your way into Raleigh that there is far too much traffic before race day to ride safely.

The safest riding is right outside of Ebenezer Park, located at approximately mile 10 on the bike course. Although drivers are accustomed to cyclists on the roads by Jordan Lake, please remember these are public roads and to obey all traffic laws.

Weather

North Carolina is like a box of chocolates when it comes to weather—"you never know what you're gonna get." But one thing is for sure: you won't need cold weather gear—leave the long sleeve jerseys and toe covers at home!

In June, Raleigh's temperatures average between 66 and 87. Average rainfall is 4 inches for the month, and sunrise on race day is at 5:58 am.

Jordan Lake's average water temp is 76-83 degrees F. The winds can vary, but if you happen to have a headwind on the bike as you make your way east from Jordan Lake to Raleigh, do not despair—you'll appreciate the wind at your back on the slight incline during the run.

Venture west two and a half to three hours or take a relaxing stop on your road trip and you'll discover the Blue Ridge Mountains, a majestic playground for the outdoor enthusiast. Hike part of the famed Appalachian Trail, ride your bike along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, or go trail running, fishing, camping, or golfing. Even if you chose to simply relax, you might never leave.

Soak up the salty air

For the beach lover, head east on I-40 and in just two hours you can put your feet in the sand. Voted North Carolina's best and most accessible beach, Wrightsville Beach offers a long, wide sandy beach, surfing, standup paddleboard competitions, boating, restaurants, shopping galore, and a friendly, welcoming community.